Ladder



July 30, 1929. c. L. FAULKENBERRY LADDER Filed Aug. 26

1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ik llifizerg WITNESS;

ATTOR N EY 1929- I c. L. FAULKENBERRY 1,722,844 LADDER Filed Aug- 26, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTOR N EY Patented July 30, 1929.

UNITED CLAYTON L. FAULKENBERRY, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

LADDER.

Application filed August 26, 1927. Serial No. 215,741.

This invention relates generally to ladders and contemplates a structure which can be used either as a ladder or conveniently converted into a bench, support or the like,

and also folded into a comparatively small article when its use is not desired, the invention residing in the construction, combi nation and arrangement of parts as claimed.

In the drawings forming part of this applieation, like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, and wherein Figure 1 is a view in elevation showing the ladder sections extended.

Figure 2 is a similar view looking from the opposite side of the ladder.

Figure 3 is an edge elevation of one of the ladder sections.

Figure 4 is a view of the sections folded.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view showing two ladder sections pivoted together.

Figure 6 is a View similar to Figure 5 looking at the opposite side of said sections.

Figure 7 is a view showing the construction used as a step ladder.

Figure 8 is a view showing how it is used as a bench or support.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 10 represents the ladder sections, any number of which may be employed, these sections having their adjacent ends overlapped and generally connected together as at 11. The side stiles of each ladder section have secured thereto adjacent one end substantially .L-shaped brackets 12 which are arranged to engage the adjacent section of the ladder when said sections are arranged in end to end relation as shown in Figures 1 and 2, thus limiting the pivotal movement of the sections in one direction. Carried on the opposite side of each stile is a pivoted latch 13 normally lying parallel with eachstile and adapted to be swung to a right angle to engage the other side of the adjacent ladder section as shown in Figure 6. This holds the ladder sections in end to end relation. Each side stile of each section also is provided with a hook 14 adapted to engage an eye 15, and when the sections are raised in end to end relation these hooks are arranged as shown in Figure 2.

The ladder may be converted into a step ladder by hinging the two intermediate sec tions as shown in Figure 7, in which event the hooks 15 on one section engages eyes of the adjacent section to hold the ladder in the position illustrated. Then again the two end sections may be folded or swung at a right angle to the other section to provide a vertical support for the. remaining horizontal section in the formation of a bench or support as shown in Figure 8, in which instance the adjacent hook l5 is carried by the intermediate section to engage the eye carried by the vertical supporting section.

As shown in Figure 4:, the sections may be folded in parallel relation and the pivots for the sections are so arranged that when the sections are folded in the manner illustrated, the rungs of the various sections are arranged out of alinement so that the sections may be folded in close association.

While it is believed that from the foregoing description, the nature and advantages of the invention will be readily understood, I desire to have it known thatI do not limit myself to what is herein shown and described, andthat such changes may be resorted to when desired as fall within the scope of what is claimed.

What I claim is A ladder comprising a plurality of sections arranged in end to end relation and pivotally connected together, said sections being capable of being arranged to form a step ladder or a bench, a substantially L- shaped bracket arm having its long branch secured to the longitudinal edge of each side stile of each section and having its short branch projecting outwardly beyond the adjacent side of the section and also extended below the adjacent end of the section and adapted to engage'the corresponding longitudinal edge of the adjacent section when the sections are arranged end to end, and a pivoted latch element mounted on the opposed Vertical edge of each section directly opposite the bracket arm and adapted to be swung outwardly in parallelism with said short branch of the adjacent bracket arm and into engagement with the corresponding edge of the adjacent section, directly opposite said short branch.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

CLAYTON L. FAULKENBERRY. 

